Are you new to the M96 engine? There are several versions of the IMS bearing used from 1997 through 2008 in Porsche Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models.

 

Although the following table shows what IMS bearing your engine *should* have, we still recommend verifying which IMS bearing your engine actually has. It is up to you to make sure that you order and install the correct IMS bearing kit:

 

 

The base model Porsche 997 911 Carrera M96.05 3.6 liter engine up to serial number 69507475 should have the serviceable single row IMS bearing. M96.05 engines after serial number 69507475 should have the larger 06-08 non-serviceable IMS bearing.

The S model Porsche 997 911 Carrera S M97.01 3.8 liter engine up to serial number 68509791 should have the serviceable single row IMS bearing. M97.01 engines after serial number 68509791 should have the larger 06-08 non-serviceable IMS bearing.

The engine serial number can be located on the lower edge of the engine’s integrated dry sump as shown below.

If the engine has an X or AT in the serial number, the engine is a remanufactured engine from Porsche and will have whatever IMS bearing was being used by Porsche in the model year the replacement engine was manufactured.

 

 

So what IMS Bearing should my Porsche have?

 

Model year 2000 and 2001 engines came from the factory with either a dual row or a single row bearing IMS.

 

Some late model year 2005 engines were also fitted with a larger bearing that is not serviceable without a complete teardown of the engine.

 

If the vehicle was fitted with a replacement engine, it will have whatever IMS bearing was currently being used by Porsche during that production year.

 

As such you must identify which bearing was used to verify compatibility.

 

As long as the engine is original to the car, you can expect to find the following:

1997-1999

2000-2001

  • MY00-01 vehicles may need either a Classic Dual Row IMS Retrofit or Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit™ kit, so you must inspect the flange and compare to the photos of the dual row and single row IMS shown above to determine which kit is needed. You can determine which bearing the engine has visually and by measuring the depth of the dish in the ims flange.  Alternatively the RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit can be fitted, just be sure to order the correct one for your 00-01 Porsche Boxster or 911 as it can have either a single or dual row bearing from the factory.

2002-2005

2006-2008

All MY06 through MY08 engines will have the larger single row ball-bearing identified by the larger 22mm nut.

With the 22mm nut and IMS flange removed, the larger IMS ball-bearing is shown below with retaining ring. The outside diameter of the bearing is larger than the diameter of the IMS flange bore, so the bearing cannot be extracted from the engine without dis-assembly of the engine. Removal of the grease seal on this bearing is recommended for improved oiling and cooling of the bearing.

If you are rebuilding your 06-08 Porsche Boxster, Cayman, or 911 engine, it is recommended that you replace the IMS bearing at that time. The 106-08.30 IMS Retrofit Kit includes an adapter bushing that allows for future servicing of the IMS bearing without complete engine disassembly. Likewise, the 106-08.30R RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit Kit also includes the same adapter bushing but with a cylindrical roller bearing instead.